It’s so close we can almost taste it: Spring. With it, the colour palette of our wardrobe changes, we put away our long johns and we watch the ground waiting for those tulips to peep out! In celebration of impeding Spring we bring you a new style file, from the Nordstrom Gala for the United Way on March 5.
The Gala, held at Nordstrom’s new Rideau Centre store, raised funds through the United Way for project step, which provides school-based intervention for young people with addictions issues. Since project step began in 2007, more than 5,000 students have accessed school-based counselling, more than 20,000 students have had education sessions and 2,000 parents have received counselling. The program continues to receive support and to grow annually.
The Gala was sold out, attracting 1,800 people, including some of Ottawa’s incredible fun fashionistas. We had a chance to meet a few of them.
Name: LOIS LEE
OCCUPATION: Anchor, CTV Morning Live
OUTFIT:
Dress: BCBG
Shoes: Marciano
STYLE INSPIRATION: Lois picked her dress for this event because it’s Spring! “We’ve been going through a hard winter in Ottawa, and I’m very wistful and optimistic and hopeful that Spring is coming soon! No better time than now to wear it.” Lois loves anything that is edgy, tailored and form-fitting, but shows a bit of femininity, as well. She loves bold colours, which look great on TV.
NAME: CHLOE ALLAHAM
OCCUPATION: Corporate Lawyer, Canadian Payments Association
OUTFIT:
Dress: Emogene Couture , rented from Rentfrock Repeat (recently opened at 107 Murray St.)
Shoes: From her wedding, first time she’s worn them in 10 years
STYLE INSPIRATION: Chloe loves fashion, being different and taking risks. She thought this dress would stand out at this event. She was correct, because there were many people just wearing all black. Chloe indicated that she uses Rentfrock Repeat for all of her events.
NAME: LEAH HARPER
OCCUPATION: Manager, Individualist Department, Nordstrom
OUTFIT:
Dress: Jill by Jill Stewart (purchased at Nordstrom in Seattle)
Feather jacket: Second Hand
Ring: Elizabeth Stone
Necklace and Bracelet: Lorren Bell
Shoes: Via Spiga (Nordstrom)
STYLE INSPIRATION: Tonight, Leah’s style is somewhat reminiscent of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with her black Jill Stewart dress with gold weave and classic sweetheart neckline. She told me she thinks that Nordstrom will elevate fashion in the city.
NAME: KARINNE BAKER
OCCUPATION: Event Planner, Chic Event Planners
OUTFIT:
Tunic/Skirt: Zara
Purse: Kate Spade
Shoes: Christian Laboutin
STYLE INSPIRATION: Karinne’s style is classic and she likes elegance. Jennifer Aniston is a style icon: “She’s effortless, always classy. I like her casual style, as well. ”
NAME: JENNIFER MACDONALD
OCCUPATION: Education and Special Events Managers, NARS Cosmetics, Canada (there is a new NARS counter at Nordstrom!)
OUTFIT:
Dress: Asos.com
Shoes: Asos.com
FASHION INSPIRATION: “I always wear all black. This is legitimately the only colour I own and it’s white and I wanted to step out of the box.” She always buys stuff from Asos online and it’s always perfect.
NAME: ASTRID JOHNSTON (LEFT); LAURA JELLEY (RIGHT)
OCCUPATION: Kindergarten teachers, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
OUTFIT: (ASTRID)
Dress: Wayne Clarke
Booties: Swedish Hasbeens
Bag: Luis Vitton
Solid Bronze Bracelet: Pamela Love
OUTFIT: (LAURA)
Dress: Banana Republic Factory Outlet
Shoes: Nine West
STYLE INSPIRATION: Astrid describes her style as vintage/modern funky: “I don’t look at one particular style I borrow from all areas.” Laura buys what she loves and enjoys mixing affordable and higher end pieces.
